Ed Miliband to fight brother David for Labour leadership

Ed Miliband has confirmed he will take on his brother David in the Labour leadership contest.

Speculation had been rife that the former energy and climate change secretary would enter the race to succeed Gordon Brown , and he used a speech at the Fabian Society on Saturday to announce his candidature.

Ed Miliband wants to be Labour leader (PA)

He explained he had taken the decision after consulting family and friends, and called on the party to use the leadership contest as a way of regenerating following its poor general election showing.

“We have to use this leadership campaign as a first step on the road back to power because that is where we should be as a political party. It involves facing up to uncomfortable truths,” he said.

The contest is likely to see the Blairite section of the Labour party supporting David, while Ed is set to gain backing from Mr Brown’s allies.

However, the idea of a fight between brothers is set to dominate the media coverage – something which both men have acknowledged.

Former foreign secretary David has stressed he does not believe the contest will put strain on the family, while Ed joked that their mother would support Jon Cruddas.

Left winger Cruddas is expected to confirm his leadership bid in the coming days, while former schools secretary Ed Balls is also likely to stand.

Ex-health secretary Andy Burnham is assessing the level of his support before making a final decision about whether to enter the race.